Client
RiverRenew
Sector
Financial Services, Infrastructure, or, Selected Partners
Capabilities
Capability One, Capability Two, Capability Three, Capability Four
(Select from pre-determined list)
The Challenge
Addressing Alexandria's Stormwater Challenge
Every year, Alexandria's combined sewer system released an estimated 140 million gallons of stormwater and sewage into local rivers and streams. To address the issue, AlexRenew launched RiverRenew, a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to improve water quality and protect Alexandria's waterways for future generations.
As one of the largest infrastructure investments in Alexandria's history, RiverRenew’s success required more than engineering expertise. It needed sustained community engagement, stakeholder alignment, and a communications strategy capable of translating a highly technical project into something residents could understand, support, and take pride in.
As one of the largest infrastructure investments in Alexandria's history, RiverRenew’s success required more than engineering expertise. It needed sustained community engagement, stakeholder alignment, and a communications strategy capable of translating a highly technical project into something residents could understand, support, and take pride in.
The Opportunity
Connecting Residents to a Bigger Purpose
While engineers focused on designing and constructing a massive underground tunnel system, the real challenge was building public understanding and support for a project that most residents would never actually see.
Our discovery process revealed an opportunity to shift the conversation away from tunnels, engineering specifications, and construction schedules and toward outcomes people cared about: cleaner waterways, environmental stewardship, and Alexandria's future.
Our discovery process revealed an opportunity to shift the conversation away from tunnels, engineering specifications, and construction schedules and toward outcomes people cared about: cleaner waterways, environmental stewardship, and Alexandria's future.
The Work
From Infrastructure Project to Community Initiative
West Cary Group developed the RiverRenew identity and built a comprehensive communications plan designed to educate, inspire, and connect the Alexandria community throughout the life of the program.
Our work included:
Our work included:
- Brand development and program identity
- Strategic communications planning
- Public relations and stakeholder engagement
- Website design, development, and maintenance
- Educational resources and curriculum materials
- Community events and children's outreach programs
- One of the most successful initiatives was Cloe and Friends, a children's education platform that helped introduce a new generation of Alexandrians to the importance of protecting local waterways.
The Impact
The Ripple Effect of RiverRenew
As RiverRenew gained visibility throughout Alexandria, public awareness and community engagement continued to grow.
In 2022, AlexRenew received a National Environmental Achievement Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for the Cloe and Friends campaign — but our impact extended beyond program performance.
As RiverRenew matured, so did AlexRenew's relationship with WCG. What began as support for a major project evolved into a broader strategic partnership encompassing communications strategy, social media, brand stewardship, and organizational initiatives beyond RiverRenew.
Today, WCG continues to support AlexRenew as a trusted partner, helping to frame complex infrastructure investments in ways that build understanding, trust, and long-term community support.
As RiverRenew matured, so did AlexRenew's relationship with WCG. What began as support for a major project evolved into a broader strategic partnership encompassing communications strategy, social media, brand stewardship, and organizational initiatives beyond RiverRenew.
Today, WCG continues to support AlexRenew as a trusted partner, helping to frame complex infrastructure investments in ways that build understanding, trust, and long-term community support.
